The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit (AARU) is celebrating the success of two of its interns, Mr Swelihle Shoba and Ms Nobuhle Mkhize, who were part of the first-ever African cohort of the Council for Advancement in Support of Education (CASE) in partnership with Inyathelo (The South African Institute for Advancement) Advancement Internship Programme. This prestigious eight-week training programme brought together interns from all over the globe to learn about the advancement profession in higher education, covering areas such as fundraising, alumni relations, communications, marketing, and strategic initiatives.

Mr Shoba proudly represented DUT in Cape Town at the CASE-Inyathelo Advancement Internship Conference, recently hosted at Inyathelo’s offices in Buchanan Square. The event gave participants the opportunity to connect face-to-face, learn from industry experts, and engage in discussions on topics such as the philanthropic landscape in Africa, the power of storytelling, and real-life experiences in university advancement. The conference also provided an opportunity to network and share experiences with interns from other leading institutions, including the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of the Western Cape (UWC), University of Pretoria (UP), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and University of Cape Town (UCT).

Ms Mkhize actively participated in the online component of the programme. Through weekly webinars, assignments, and networking huddles, both interns gained valuable skills and insights, further strengthening their abilities to contribute meaningfully to the AARU’s work at DUT. This reflects AARU’s strong commitment to upskilling its interns and preparing them for impactful careers in advancement, fundraising, and alumni engagement.

Being part of the inaugural African cohort was a historic milestone, highlighting DUT’s dedication to staying at the forefront of global best practices in advancement. The programme not only enhanced the interns’ professional knowledge but also allowed them to connect with peers and mentors from across the world, fostering a network of future leaders in the sector.

AARU remains committed to investing in its people, knowing that well-trained professionals are key to building strong alumni relationships and advancing the university’s mission. The success of Mr. Shoba and Ms. Mkhize in the CASE-Inyathelo programme is a testament to DUT’s belief in growing talent from within and ensuring that the next generation of advancement leaders are equipped to make a lasting impact in South Africa and beyond.

Pictured: Mr Swelihle Shoba at CASE.

Sakhile Sithole